Strangler Figs on Buildings


		Strangler Fig on Buildings Strangler fig established on old building in Key West Strangler fig trees, a member of the ficus family of trees, begins life as an epiphyte or air plant. This survival strategy enables the strangler fig to get a start in life high in the canopy of trees or on old buildings. Since it is an epiphyte it does not need soil to begin growing. This is a picture of a good size strangler fig that began life about 6' off the ground. Over time it extended aerial roots that reached the ground where they became woody and got much larger. As you can see this strangler fig is covering the structure it germinated on. Given time the host "structure" may disappear leaving only the strangler fig tree. Look at the size of those large aerial roots that have become prop roots with the same strength as the trunk. Strangler fig established on old building This condominium complex was constructed around this old strangler fig that had become established on part of an older structure on the property. Strangler fig established on old building The old brick structure that this strangler fig used as a host has almost disappeared. While the strangler fig germinated about 10-feet above the ground it was supported by the brick structure. Because strangler figs begin life as epiphytes they can live as air plants for years while their root system actually grows down the "host-structure" to the ground. Once on the ground the aerial roots begin to send moisture and nutrients up to the strangler fig tree. When these aerial roots establish themselves in the ground they become woody and become part of the trunk acting as prop roots as the tree spreads. Strangler fig established on old building You can see where this strangler fig started life in a crack in this old building. Over time this ficus tree or strangler fig will totally consume this building. Strangler fig established on old building Another strangler fig or ficus tree that is using a building as host instead of another tree as would be normal in their tropical environment. Click here for more Key West travellogs Until next time remember how good life is. More Florida Adventures More Key West Adventures More 2011 Travel Adventures Mike & Joyce Hendrix Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures: Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page Travel Adventures by Year Travel Adventures by State Plants Marine-Boats Geology Exciting Drives Cute Signs RV Subjects Miscellaneous Subjects** We would love to hear from you......just put "info" in the place of "FAKE" in this address: FAKE@travellogs.us Until next time remember how good life is.